On Thursday, August 4th, government officials and community leaders of Chemung County attended an event at Wisner Park to honor area businesses who make an effort to welcome breastfeeding.

At a World Breastfeeding Week press conference, Valu Home Center in Elmira, NY was awarded the Breastfeeding Friendly Award 2016 by Twin Tiers Breastfeeding Network in recognition of their valuable support and accommodation of breastfeeding mothers!

The press conference was held in partnership with Arnot Health and the City of Elmira. The Twin Tiers Breastfeeding Network recognized 32 workplaces, public places, and members within the community that make an extra effort to accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers by offering a positive attitude and supportive environment.

Valu Home Center of Elmira was nominated for this award by a breastfeeding mother who approached the Store Team at our Elmira, NY location about a private place to nurse her baby.

As many moms know, it’s not always easy to find a comfortable place to breastfeed when baby decides it’s time to eat. When this Chemung County mom asked the Store Manager, Andy Hakes, for a private place to nurse in the store so that she didn’t have to go out to her car in the intense summer heat, he didn’t hesitate to accommodate her. Assistant Manager, Brett Gardner, escorted her to the team break room, and waited outside to ensure she wouldn’t be disturbed.

Thank you to Twin Tiers Breastfeeding Network and the Chemung County community for this award! We are proud to be a part of this close-knit community.